Exploring the Metabolomic Landscape of Critical Illness Outcomes in Pneumonia Patients

We are seeking a talented, motivated student with a passion for a PhD position focusing on the cutting-edge intersection of clinical metabolomics and critical care outcomes in pneumonia patients. This studentship is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a pioneering field with significant potential for impacting patient care and management in critical illnesses.

The student will work in the acute care research group under the supervision of Professor David Thickett, Dr Aaron Scott, and Dr Dhruv Parekh (see https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/inflammation-ageing/acute-care-research.aspx)

Research Overview:

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in critical care settings. The complexity of the disease and patient response to treatment are still not fully understood. Metabolomics, the comprehensive study of small molecules in biological systems, offers a rich landscape for uncovering biomarkers and pathways associated with disease prognosis.

This PhD project aims to delineate the relationship between systemic metabolic changes in plasma and the clinical outcomes of critically ill pneumonia patients. The successful candidate will work on identifying novel metabolic signatures that could be used to predict clinical outcomes, potentially leading to personalized therapeutic strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct a longitudinal metabolomic analysis of plasma samples from critically ill pneumonia patients.

• Develop and validate predictive models correlating metabolomic data with clinical outcomes.

• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team including clinicians, bioinformaticians, and statisticians.

• Present findings at conferences and contribute to the writing of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

Candidate Profile:

• Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant scientific discipline, and who are self-funded or have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.

• Experience in metabolomic techniques and data analysis is desirable.

Training and Development:

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in metabolomic analytics, bioinformatics, and clinical research methodologies. You will also gain experience in a multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and leading experts in the field.

APPLICATION ROUTES

Self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining IVB can select one of 3 different routes for undertaking a PhD in the field of Inflammation and Ageing.

Applicants with research experience and/or Master’s degree should apply directly to the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/inflammation-ageing.aspx. This route requires applicants to submit a drafted research proposal.

Applicants seeking additional research experience or who have yet to complete a Master’s degree should apply to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx.

Applicants will need to submit the following documentation during the application process.

• Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;

• Covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and why you wish to undertake a PhD in the team;

• Names and addresses of two referees;

• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts written in English;

• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.

• Evidence of scholarship application/funding or independent funding.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University of Birmingham offers pre-sessional English Language courses through the Birmingham International Academy – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia/presessional/index.aspx

For additional information on postgraduate studying at University of Birmingham please click - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate

For additional information on research at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/index.aspx

For additional information on research in the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/inflammation-ageing/index.aspx